Summary The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Litigation is seeking candidates for Trial Attorney positions. The mission of The Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Litigation is to manage, justify, and defend - in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice - all litigation in Federal courts involving challenges to DOE programs and actions, and concerning the civil enforcement of Federal and DOE statutes, regulations and orders. Responsibilities We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy Duties of a Trial Attorney position could include: Represents DOE's interests in all phases of complex Federal court and administrative litigation. Coordinates litigation and participates in formulating the strategy and developing the presentation of the Government's case. Coordinates and furthers litigation with DOJ by preparing litigation assessments and reports, drafting and editing litigation submissions, supplying necessary information and recommendations, resolving conflicts, and supporting the strategy used in guiding the position taken on legal and factual issues. Advises supervisor, program office legal staff and DOE officials concerning the pending or potential litigation, questions regarding the interpretation of statutes administered by or applicable to DOE and its activities, and DOE issues and actions. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: All applicants MUST: Meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree Juris Doctor (J.D); AND Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: GS-15 Qualifications: Sound and sophisticated understanding of advanced legal concepts and significant legal policy/regulatory issues. Progressively responsible experience handling significant legal matters. Consistent ability to significantly advance Department interests in matters with exceedingly difficult/complex factual or legal questions. GS-14 Qualifications: Sound legal training and experience in handling significant legal issues and matters. Sound and authoritative knowledge of legal principles, laws, administrative/judicial decisions, statutes, and regulations, and the ability to advance the Department's policies and programmatic interests. Ability to provide sound legal advice to DOE officials, handle broad and complex legal issues (including statutory interpretation), prepare litigation documents in complex matters, and review documents for legal sufficiency to minimize litigation risk. GS-13 Qualifications: Legal training and increasingly responsible experience in effectively handling litigation cases and related issues. Highly knowledgeable in federal and DOE litigation cases/issues, with a thorough understanding of legal principles, laws, administrative/judicial decisions, statutes, and regulations impacting Departmental legal cases, and the ability to apply this to significant DOE matters. Increasingly responsible experience in litigation matters, and ability to prepare factually/legally sound litigation work products with minimal supervision. GS-12 Qualifications: Legal training and experience in handling litigation cases and related issues. Knowledge of federal and Department of Energy litigation cases/issues (including decisions, statutes, regulations), and ability to apply this to significant DOE matters. Experience analyzing litigation, advising on legal matters, and producing litigation documents. GS-11 Qualifications: Sound legal training from an accredited law school. Knowledge of legal cases, issues, principles, administrative/judicial decisions, statutes, and regulations affecting Department programs and litigation. Ability to analyze litigation, provide legal advice, and prepare legal briefs/documents. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Attorney positions do have an education requirement. ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a: Professional Law Degree Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit: A copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. A trial period of up to 2 years for the purpose of assessing the ability of an individual to adequately perform in an attorney position will be established for appointments under these authorities. Previous Federal experience in like positions MAY count toward the completion of this requirement. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at AdministrativeInvestigations@hq.doe.gov.
